Water and the Common Agricultural Policy

Water and agriculture are both essential for life. European agricultural policy must protect our valuable drinking water resources.

EurEau is Europe’s water sector, representing drinking and waste water service providers.

Water and agriculture are both essential for life. However, agriculture has a huge impact on the quality of our water resources.

The European Commission’s proposal for the new Common Agricultural Policy must protect our valuable drinking water resources. It can do so by incorporating measure such as cross-compliance, the polluter pays principle and clear enforceable environment targets in the new proposal. Direct payments to farmers must be subject to meeting these targets.

We need a water friendly CAP, where our resources are protected, now and for future generations. Because water matters.